Patents by Inventor Michael Benjamin
Michael Benjamin has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).
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Patent number: 12483600Abstract: Aspects of the present disclosure involve utilizing network threat information to manage one or more security devices or policies of a communication network. The security system may receive threat intelligence data or information associated with potential threats to a communications network and process the threat intelligence data to determine one or more configurations to apply to security devices of a network. The system may then generate a rule or action to respond to the identified attack, such as a firewall rule for a firewall device to block traffic from the source of the attack. The threat intelligence information may include a confidence score indicating a calculated confidence in the identification of the malicious communications, which may be utilized by the system to determine the type of action taken on the security devices of the network in response to the information or data.Type: GrantFiled: June 13, 2024Date of Patent: November 25, 2025Assignee: Level 3 Communications, LLCInventors: David Dubois, Michael Benjamin, Mark Dehus, Peter Brecl
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Patent number: 12464049Abstract: Systems and methods for managing network devices include performing clustering operations for network devices based on attributes of the network devices. By comparing the results of subsequent clustering operations, changes in network device attributes can be readily identified and any network devices for which attributes have changed may be subject to further investigation or remedial action (e.g., blocking traffic to/from the network device). Clustering may also be used to conduct an inventory of network devices by identifying groups of network devices that have similar attributes.Type: GrantFiled: June 1, 2023Date of Patent: November 4, 2025Assignee: Level 3 Communications, LLCInventor: Michael Benjamin
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Publication number: 20250337710Abstract: Examples of the present disclosure describe systems and methods for providing enhanced security in edge computing environments. A first aspect describes a method for moving security features dynamically applied to an application at a first deployment location to an application at a second deployment location. A second aspect describes a method for locally expanding/contracting an instance of a deployed application. A third aspect describes a method for redirected network traffic associated with detected malicious conduct from a first application deployment environment to a secured second application deployment environment. A fourth aspect describes a method for performing multi-stage network traffic filtering.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 2, 2025Publication date: October 30, 2025Applicant: Level 3 Communications, LLCInventors: Christopher Smith, Michael Benjamin, Peter Brecl
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Publication number: 20250267136Abstract: Authorization for a user may be dynamically tailored per application or per application function, rather than globally managed by an administrator. For example, in some embodiments, an identity access management system may generate a suitable authorization token (or authorization token information) to enable a user to login to an application or perform a particular function. The authorization token may be dynamically generated and tailored based on filtering various identity information otherwise available from an identity system, access boundaries of applicable application functions, or other factors.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 7, 2025Publication date: August 21, 2025Applicant: Level 3 Communications, LLCInventors: Sylvan H. Morley, III, Jamie Lin, Michael Benjamin, John Knies
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Patent number: 12355726Abstract: Examples of the present disclosure describe systems and methods for providing enhanced security in edge computing environments. A first aspect describes a method for moving security features dynamically applied to an application at a first deployment location to an application at a second deployment location. A second aspect describes a method for locally expanding/contracting an instance of a deployed application. A third aspect describes a method for redirected network traffic associated with detected malicious conduct from a first application deployment environment to a secured second application deployment environment. A fourth aspect describes a method for performing multi-stage network traffic filtering.Type: GrantFiled: June 26, 2024Date of Patent: July 8, 2025Assignee: Level 3 Communications, LLCInventors: Christopher Smith, Michael Benjamin, Peter Brecl
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Publication number: 20250202918Abstract: The present application describes a system that uses endpoint data and network data to detect an anomaly. Once an anomaly is detected, the system may determine a severity of the anomaly by comparing the anomaly to a global database of known anomalies. The system may then initiate preventative measures to address the anomaly.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 5, 2025Publication date: June 19, 2025Applicant: Level 3 Communications, LLCInventor: Michael Benjamin
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Patent number: 12301554Abstract: Authorization for a user may be dynamically tailored per application or per application function, rather than globally managed by an administrator. For example, in some embodiments, an identity access management system may generate a suitable authorization token (or authorization token information) to enable a user to login to an application or perform a particular function. The authorization token may be dynamically generated and tailored based on filtering various identity information otherwise available from an identity system, access boundaries of applicable application functions, or other factors.Type: GrantFiled: August 23, 2022Date of Patent: May 13, 2025Assignee: Level 3 Communications, LLCInventors: Sylvan H. Morley, III, Jamie Lin, Michael Benjamin, John Knies
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Patent number: 12289218Abstract: A route viewing system includes a computing system that receives information associated with one or more routes through a network, and identifies the routes that are associated with at least one illicit user computer used by an illicit user. The computing system then obtains a source location of a source address of the routes and a destination location of a destination address of the routes, and displays the routes on a geographical display at the source location of the source address and the destination location of the destination address of each of the routes.Type: GrantFiled: May 16, 2024Date of Patent: April 29, 2025Assignee: Level 3 Communications, LLCInventors: Michael Benjamin, Skyler J. Bingham, John S. Reynolds
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Patent number: 12250236Abstract: The present application describes a system that uses endpoint data and network data to detect an anomaly. Once an anomaly is detected, the system may determine a severity of the anomaly by comparing the anomaly to a global database of known anomalies. The system may then initiate preventative measures to address the anomaly.Type: GrantFiled: May 25, 2022Date of Patent: March 11, 2025Assignee: Level 3 Communications, LLCInventor: Michael Benjamin
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Publication number: 20240356896Abstract: Examples of the present disclosure describe systems and methods for providing enhanced security in edge computing environments. A first aspect describes a method for moving security features dynamically applied to an application at a first deployment location to an application at a second deployment location. A second aspect describes a method for locally expanding/contracting an instance of a deployed application. A third aspect describes a method for redirected network traffic associated with detected malicious conduct from a first application deployment environment to a secured second application deployment environment. A fourth aspect describes a method for performing multi-stage network traffic filtering.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 26, 2024Publication date: October 24, 2024Applicant: Level 3 Communications, LLCInventors: Christopher Smith, Michael Benjamin, Peter Brecl
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Publication number: 20240340268Abstract: Systems and methods for implementing filters within computer networks include obtaining blocklist data that includes blocklist entries for a network. Each of the blocklist entries includes one or more network traffic attributes for identifying traffic to be blocked. In response to receiving the blocklist data, a filter based on a common network traffic attribute shared between at least two of the plurality of blocklist entries is generated. The filter is then deployed to a network device within the network such that the filter may be implemented at the network device to block corresponding traffic.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 20, 2024Publication date: October 10, 2024Applicant: Level 3 Communications, LLCInventor: Michael Benjamin
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Publication number: 20240340318Abstract: Aspects of the present disclosure involve utilizing network threat information to manage one or more security devices or policies of a communication network. The security system may receive threat intelligence data or information associated with potential threats to a communications network and process the threat intelligence data to determine one or more configurations to apply to security devices of a network. The system may then generate a rule or action to respond to the identified attack, such as a firewall rule for a firewall device to block traffic from the source of the attack. The threat intelligence information may include a confidence score indicating a calculated confidence in the identification of the malicious communications, which may be utilized by the system to determine the type of action taken on the security devices of the network in response to the information or data.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 13, 2024Publication date: October 10, 2024Applicant: Level 3 Communications, LLCInventors: David Dubois, Michael Benjamin, Mark Dehus, Peter Brecl
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Publication number: 20240305548Abstract: A route viewing system includes a computing system that receives information associated with one or more routes through a network, and identifies the routes that are associated with at least one illicit user computer used by an illicit user. The computing system then obtains a source location of a source address of the routes and a destination location of a destination address of the routes, and displays the routes on a geographical display at the source location of the source address and the destination location of the destination address of each of the routes.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 16, 2024Publication date: September 12, 2024Applicant: Level 3 Communications, LLCInventors: Michael Benjamin, Skyler J. Bingham, John S. Reynolds
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Patent number: 12034698Abstract: Examples of the present disclosure describe systems and methods for providing enhanced security in edge computing environments. A first aspect describes a method for moving security features dynamically applied to an application at a first deployment location to an application at a second deployment location. A second aspect describes a method for locally expanding/contracting an instance of a deployed application. A third aspect describes a method for redirected network traffic associated with detected malicious conduct from a first application deployment environment to a secured second application deployment environment. A fourth aspect describes a method for performing multi-stage network traffic filtering.Type: GrantFiled: December 29, 2021Date of Patent: July 9, 2024Assignee: Level 3 Communications, LLCInventors: Christopher Smith, Michael Benjamin, Peter Brecl
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Patent number: 12021836Abstract: Systems and methods for implementing filters within computer networks include obtaining blocklist data that includes blocklist entries for a network. Each of the blocklist entries includes one or more network traffic attributes for identifying traffic to be blocked. In response to receiving the blocklist data, a filter based on a common network traffic attribute shared between at least two of the plurality of blocklist entries is generated. The filter is then deployed to a network device within the network such that the filter may be implemented at the network device to block corresponding traffic.Type: GrantFiled: June 1, 2023Date of Patent: June 25, 2024Assignee: Level 3 Communications, LLCInventor: Michael Benjamin
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Patent number: 12015644Abstract: Aspects of the present disclosure involve utilizing network threat information to manage one or more security devices or policies of a communication network. The security system may receive threat intelligence data or information associated with potential threats to a communications network and process the threat intelligence data to determine one or more configurations to apply to security devices of a network. The system may then generate a rule or action to respond to the identified attack, such as a firewall rule for a firewall device to block traffic from the source of the attack. The threat intelligence information may include a confidence score indicating a calculated confidence in the identification of the malicious communications, which may be utilized by the system to determine the type of action taken on the security devices of the network in response to the information or data.Type: GrantFiled: April 10, 2020Date of Patent: June 18, 2024Assignee: Level 3 Communications, LLCInventors: David Dubois, Michael Benjamin, Mark Dehus, Peter Brecl
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Patent number: 11991057Abstract: A route viewing system includes a computing system that receives information associated with one or more routes through a network, and identifies the routes that are associated with at least one illicit user computer used by an illicit user. The computing system then obtains a source location of a source address of the routes and a destination location of a destination address of the routes, and displays the routes on a geographical display at the source location of the source address and the destination location of the destination address of each of the routes.Type: GrantFiled: May 18, 2023Date of Patent: May 21, 2024Assignee: Level 3 Communications, LLCInventors: Michael Benjamin, Skyler J. Bingham, John S. Reynolds
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Publication number: 20230327954Abstract: Systems and methods for managing network devices include performing clustering operations for network devices based on attributes of the network devices. By comparing the results of subsequent clustering operations, changes in network device attributes can be readily identified and any network devices for which attributes have changed may be subject to further investigation or remedial action (e.g., blocking traffic to/from the network device). Clustering may also be used to conduct an inventory of network devices by identifying groups of network devices that have similar attributes.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 1, 2023Publication date: October 12, 2023Applicant: Level 3 Communications, LLCInventor: Michael Benjamin
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Publication number: 20230308420Abstract: Systems and methods for implementing filters within computer networks include obtaining blocklist data that includes blocklist entries for a network. Each of the blocklist entries includes one or more network traffic attributes for identifying traffic to be blocked. In response to receiving the blocklist data, a filter based on a common network traffic attribute shared between at least two of the plurality of blocklist entries is generated. The filter is then deployed to a network device within the network such that the filter may be implemented at the network device to block corresponding traffic.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 1, 2023Publication date: September 28, 2023Applicant: Level 3 Communications, LLCInventor: Michael Benjamin
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Publication number: 20230300043Abstract: A route viewing system includes a computing system that receives information associated with one or more routes through a network, and identifies the routes that are associated with at least one illicit user computer used by an illicit user. The computing system then obtains a source location of a source address of the routes and a destination location of a destination address of the routes, and displays the routes on a geographical display at the source location of the source address and the destination location of the destination address of each of the routes.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 18, 2023Publication date: September 21, 2023Applicant: Level 3 Communications, LLCInventors: Michael Benjamin, Skyler J. Bingham, John S. Reynolds